Panama confirms second imported measles case, boosts health surveillance

Panama has confirmed a second imported case of measles, a 24-year-old Guatemalan national, raising the total imported cases in 2026 to two, with an additional related case.

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the patient entered Panama on June 2 and developed symptoms including fever and rash, with epidemiological investigations revealing unvaccinated status and exposure to infected relatives.

The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reported that the diagnosis was confirmed via RT-PCR testing by the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies. This is part of an intensified epidemiological surveillance program following the detection of imported measles cases.

The patient entered Panama on June 2 through the Paso Canoas border crossing. By June 4, he began experiencing fever, and on June 9, a skin rash appeared along with gastrointestinal symptoms. Epidemiological investigations indicated the man had been exposed to relatives diagnosed with measles approximately two weeks before his symptoms began. Health authorities confirmed he had no prior vaccination against the disease.

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the patient had been exposed to relatives diagnosed with measles approximately two weeks before the onset of symptoms and confirmed that the patient had no history of vaccination against this disease.

He sought medical attention at a private health facility in Chiriquí province, prompting an immediate notification to health authorities. The patient is currently hospitalized in isolation but is reported to be in good general condition. The Minsa stated that the Chiriquí Regional Health authority activated rapid response teams. Within 24 hours, these teams conducted epidemiological investigations, isolated the patient, traced contacts, collected samples, and vaccinated exposed individuals.

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the patient remains hospitalized and in isolation, although he is in good general condition.

In addition to the three confirmed cases to date, authorities are investigating five suspected cases to determine any link to the existing infections. Health officials urged the public to keep vaccination schedules up-to-date, particularly for children and those with international travel history, as the primary preventive measure against measles.

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the Chiriquí Health Region activated rapid response teams, which in less than 24 hours executed actions of epidemiological investigation, patient isolation, contact follow-up, sample collection, and vaccination of exposed persons.